Huge Wilton development clears hurdle despite some public opposition

WILTON -- An Albany developer has cleared a major hurdle in its bid to build a controversial, large-scale project on Route 9.

After much debate during the town Planning Board meeting Wednesday night, the board granted preliminary approval for Gordon Development's proposed $15 million three-story, 180,000-square-foot building that would house 114 apartments and 16,500 square feet of retail space.

More than a dozen residents opposed to the project's size, scope and location voiced emotional, strongly worded concerns. But the board found no reasons -- zoning or environmental -- why it shouldn't move forward.

"Now it's up to the state to start doing their paperwork," said Mike Dobis, Planning Board chairman. "From the town's point of view, I don't see any other hurdles coming up."

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John Lapper, the developer's attorney, said his client will probably seek final approval at the July or August board meeting. Plans call for building to begin as soon as that's granted and for phase one -- retail space and about 55 apartments -- to be completed next year.

"I'm confident this project will be constructed," Lapper said.

Residents have raised a variety of concerns since the proposal was first unveiled more than a year ago. The building is targeted for a town-designated hamlet zone, where some people envisioned a neighborhood- type setting with smaller buildings, tree-lined sidewalks and public spaces.

Instead, Gordon's project, with 270 feet of road frontage and 600-feet deep, would be one of the largest structures in Wilton. Lapper described it as "new urbanism," which residents said is better-suited for Saratoga Springs or New York City.

"Single-family homes, for a lot of reasons, aren't in demand any more," Dobis said. "People are looking for apartments and condos. You have to go up. You have to go higher."

In one concession to residents, the developer agreed to move the building 10 feet farther back from Route 9, from 15 feet to 25 feet to create more green space.

Wednesday's debate was the extension of a public hearing that began at the April board meeting.

"I really believe it's government's place to let people voice their concerns," Dobis said. "That's why I kept the hearing open for as long as I did."

Residents raised issues for more than two hours, and the board didn't finish its review of the project until 90 minutes after that, at about 10 p.m.

Before seeking final approval from the town, the developer must obtain permits from Wilton Water & Sewer Authority, Saratoga County Sewer District and the state departments of Transportation and Environmental Conservation for water, sewer, traffic and stormwater, respectively, Lapper said.